8 dead in fire in Mumbai's suburb

Eight persons were killed while another was seriously injured when a fire broke out at a medical store in a chawl in suburban Andheri today, police said.

The fire occurred early this morning at 'Wafa' medical store located on the first floor in Juhi galli on Wireless Road in Andheri, Mumbai Police spokesman Ashok Dudhe said.

Eight persons were killed in the blaze, and one was seriously injured, he said. The families of the victims were staying on the first floor and the second floor of the premises, he said.

According to a fire brigade official, a cylinder kept in the medical store is suspected to have exploded resulting in the fire.

However, the exact cause of the blaze would be ascertained after a proper inquiry, he said. The victims were rushed to the nearby Cooper Hospital, he said.

"Our fire brigade team received a call at 6.15 AM, and we rushed three fire tenders, one water tanker and two ambulances to the spot," the official said, adding that the blaze has been brought under control. 

Further details are awaited.